As the Historic Preservation Architect and Tax Credit Advisor, QEA supported the planning and influenced the design of the 10 story, 227,000 sf existing building; helping to preserve and incorporate historically important components of the building into the project. QEA restored and preserved the building’s unique tapered shell brickwork that is colored like a giant flame, the historic windows and the elaborate art deco brass and metal doors and other art deco interior features. The preservation efforts were all designed to meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, qualifying the project for over $16,000,000 in federal and state historic preservation tax credits.

QEA directed the restoration of the historic 1930’s Art Deco exterior and influenced the design of the interior and the new addition to preserve and complement the building’s architectural significance. The project enhanced the public urban fabric of Lansing, Michigan’s capital city, opening views to the downtown core and promoting further development of the adjacent Riverwalk.